Things to Do in Valletta in May

May Weather in Valletta

23°C (73°F) High Temp

16°C (61°F) Low Temp

15mm (0.6 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect shoulder season weather - warm 23°C (73°F) days without summer's crushing heat and humidity
Festa season begins - May brings vibrant local celebrations like Santa Rita (May 22) and traditional band marches throughout the month
Pre-summer pricing on accommodation - hotels are 30-40% cheaper than July-August peak season
Ideal conditions for walking Valletta's steep streets and fortifications - cool mornings and comfortable evenings without exhausting midday heat

Considerations

Occasional spring showers can interrupt outdoor plans, though they're brief and clear quickly
Some beach clubs and summer restaurants haven't opened yet - peak beach season doesn't start until June
Tourist attractions have shorter opening hours compared to summer months - many close at 4:30pm instead of 6pm

Best Activities in May

Grand Harbour Historical Walking Tours

May's mild temperatures make this the ideal time to explore Valletta's steep limestone streets and bastions. Morning temperatures around 18°C (64°F) are perfect for the 2km (1.2 mile) climb up and down the city's terraced layout. The golden hour light in May creates stunning photography conditions along the Upper Barrakka Gardens.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed Heritage Malta guides. Tours typically cost €15-25 and include access to restricted fortification areas. Morning tours (9-11am) offer the best lighting and cooler temperatures.

Malta's Three Cities Boat Excursions

May's calm seas and crystal-clear visibility make harbor boat trips exceptional. Water temperatures reach 20°C (68°F) and spring winds are gentle. The traditional dgħajsa water taxi rides offer perfect conditions to photograph Valletta's fortifications from the water without summer's haze.

Booking Tip: Harbor tours range €12-30 for dgħajsa rides to €45-75 for longer Three Cities excursions. Book through waterfront operators or see current options in booking section below. Late afternoon tours (4-6pm) catch the best light.

Mdina and Rabat Cultural Exploration

May weather is perfect for exploring Malta's former capital. The 20-minute bus ride from Valletta leads to Mdina's car-free medieval streets where May's moderate temperatures make the 1.5km (0.9 mile) circuit walk comfortable. Spring wildflowers bloom in the surrounding countryside.

Booking Tip: Combine Mdina with nearby Rabat catacombs for full-day experiences. Audio guides cost €5-8, full guided tours €35-50. Public bus #51 runs every 30 minutes from Valletta (€1.50 each way).

Gozo Island Day Trips

May offers ideal conditions for the 25-minute Gozo ferry crossing with calm seas and clear skies. Gozo's rural landscape is at its most beautiful in late spring - green from winter rains but not yet sun-scorched. Perfect weather for exploring the Azure Window area and Ġgantija temples without crowds.

Booking Tip: Ferry tickets cost €4.65 return, runs every 45 minutes. Full-day Gozo tours typically €55-85 including transport and guide. Book ferries same-day, but guided tours 5-7 days ahead for May's increasing popularity.

Festa Celebration Experiences

May marks the beginning of Malta's festa season with neighborhood patron saint celebrations. These authentic local events feature elaborate church decorations, brass band processions, and traditional Maltese street food. May festivals include Santa Rita (Qormi) and various parish celebrations with fireworks and music.

Booking Tip: Festa events are free public celebrations. Check local parish calendars for exact dates as they vary yearly. Evening celebrations (7-11pm) offer the best atmosphere. No advance booking needed - just show up and join locals.

Marsaxlokk Sunday Fish Market

May's pleasant morning temperatures make the traditional fishing village market visit perfect. The colorful luzzu boats create stunning photography opportunities, and spring fish varieties are at their peak. The 45-minute bus journey from Valletta becomes a scenic route in May's clear weather.

Booking Tip: Market operates Sunday mornings 6am-1pm. Bus #81 runs hourly from Valletta (€1.50). Restaurant meals €15-25 for fresh fish. Best visited 9-11am before afternoon heat and for freshest selection.

May Events & Festivals

May 22

Festa ta' Santa Rita (Qormi)

Traditional Maltese patron saint celebration featuring ornate church decorations, brass band processions, and spectacular fireworks. One of May's most authentic cultural experiences with traditional Maltese pastizzi and local wine.

Mid to Late May

Malta International Music Festival

Classical concerts in historic venues including Mdina Cathedral and various churches around Malta. May's mild evenings provide perfect conditions for outdoor and semi-outdoor performances.

Throughout May

Various Parish Festa Celebrations

Multiple neighborhood patron saint celebrations throughout May in different villages. Each features unique local traditions, band marches, and community gatherings that offer authentic Maltese cultural immersion.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Light layers - mornings start at 16°C (61°F) but afternoons reach 23°C (73°F), so pack a light cardigan or thin jacket

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - Valletta's limestone streets can be slippery when wet from brief showers

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 and Malta's limestone reflects additional sun exposure

Light rain jacket or compact umbrella - May averages 4 rainy days with brief afternoon showers

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - 65% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable

Light scarf or shawl - required for church visits during festa celebrations and cathedral tours

Comfortable day pack - for carrying layers as temperature changes throughout the day

Refillable water bottle - public fountains available but staying hydrated important in increasing spring heat

Evening outfit for festa celebrations - locals dress nicely for these community events

Camera with good low-light capability - May's golden hour light is exceptional but festa fireworks need good night settings

Insider Knowledge

Local buses switch to summer schedules in mid-May, running more frequently to beach destinations but less to inland cultural sites - check current timetables

Many locals take their annual spring cleaning break in May before summer tourists arrive - some family-run restaurants close mid-month for maintenance

The Valletta Waterfront restaurants start extending hours in late May preparing for summer - early May still has shorter dinner service times

May is when locals begin their evening passeggiata tradition - join the sunset stroll along the bastions around 7pm for authentic Maltese social culture

Avoid These Mistakes

Expecting full summer opening hours - many attractions and restaurants still operate on shoulder season schedules with earlier closing times

Not checking festa dates before booking accommodation - hotel prices spike during major local celebrations and rooms become scarce

Packing only summer clothes - May evenings and early mornings require light layers that many visitors forget